Cycling China: Travel, History, and Dialogue in Berlin
Personal journeys illuminate China’s past and present transformations
April 28th, 2026
On April 9, 2026, the Chinese Cultural Center Berlin hosted an evening event as part of its ongoing series “A History of China,” bringing together cultural exchange and travel storytelling under the title “Himalayas, Silk Road, and the Long March – Cycling Through the Middle Kingdom.” The event featured German China expert, travel entrepreneur, and author Volker Häring, who shared insights from decades of cycling across China. The program offered audiences in Berlin a unique perspective on the country’s historical depth and contemporary transformation through the lens of slow travel.
Häring, who has spent over forty years exploring China, presented a vivid account of his journeys through both urban and rural regions, highlighting the scale of change taking place across the country. His fluency in the Chinese language and long-standing engagement with local communities enabled him to convey complex developments in an accessible and personal manner. A key highlight of the evening was his account of becoming the first German to retrace the Long March by bicycle, covering more than 7,000 kilometers. Marking the 90th anniversary of this pivotal historical event, Häring emphasized its enduring significance in shaping modern China, a point reinforced by encounters with local residents during his journey.
The discussion also drew contributions from experienced observers of China, including former German Consul General in Shanghai Wolfgang Röhr, who reflected on the physical and environmental challenges of travel in regions such as the Himalayas and Tibet. Audience members, including sinologist Kathleen Wittek, engaged actively with the topic, expressing interest in both the historical insights and the practical aspects of long-distance cycling in China. Questions ranged from language barriers to high-altitude endurance, demonstrating a broader curiosity about immersive travel experiences and cross-cultural understanding.
From a cultural diplomacy perspective, the event exemplifies how personal narratives and experiential knowledge can complement formal diplomatic engagement between Germany and China. By promoting dialogue rooted in history, travel, and human interaction, the initiative supports mutual understanding at a time of complex geopolitical relations. It also carries economic and strategic relevance, as increased interest in tourism and cultural exchange can foster people-to-people connections and open pathways for collaboration in education, research, and sustainable travel industries.
In conclusion, the evening at the Chinese Cultural Center Berlin illustrated how travel can serve as a powerful medium for cultural exchange and historical reflection. Through Häring’s experiences, audiences were encouraged to view China not only as a global power but also as a multifaceted society shaped by its past and present. Such initiatives contribute to long-term intercultural dialogue, reinforcing the role of cultural institutions in bridging perspectives between Europe and Asia.
